keratopathy

keratopathy

A non-inflammatory disease of the cornea. Seecorneal dystrophy.actinic keratopathy A form of corneal degeneration characterized by white or yellowish stromal deposits consisting of cholesterol, fats and phospholipids, and in some cases corneal vascularization. The condition may be caused by exposure to sunlight (especially ultraviolet radiations) or trauma. The deposits are usually present within the pupillary area, often as elevated nodules distributed in a band-shaped configuration, and can have a dramatic effect on visual function. The damage is similar to that found in pterygium and pinguecula. Treatment consists of resorbing the lipid infiltrates and, in severe cases, keratoplasty. Syn. Bietti's band-shaped nodular dystrophy; climatic droplet keratopathy; Labrador keratopathy; lipid droplet degeneration.band keratopathy A disorder characterized by the deposition of calcium salts in the anterior layers of the cornea, such as the basement membrane, Bowman's layer and the anterior stromal lamellae. They appear as opacities forming a more or less horizontal band with clear holes within the band giving it a Swiss cheese appearance. The causes may be systemic (e.g. hypercalcaemia, familial, old age, chronic renal failure) or ocular (e.g. chronic anterior uveitis, interstitial keratitis, silicone oil in the anterior chamber, phthisis bulbi). It is commonly associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and sarcoidosis. Symptoms include irritation and blurring of vision. Treatment may be necessary for cosmetic or visual reasons. It consists of removal of the calcium salts by scraping the corneal epithelium followed by irrigation with EDTA, or laser keratectomy. Syn. band-shaped corneal dystrophy. Seejuvenile idiopathic arthritis; ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA).bullous keratopathy Degenerative condition of the cornea characterized by the formation of epithelial blebs or bullae, which burst after a few days. This condition may follow cataract surgery, corneal trauma, severe corneal oedema, glaucoma, iridocyclitis, etc. Soft contact lenses have often been found useful to relieve pain in this condition by protecting the denuded nerve endings. Seecornea guttata; Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy; therapeutic soft contact lens.climatic droplet keratopathy; Labrador keratopathySeeactinic keratopathy.exposure keratopathy A disorder caused by the failure of the eyelids to cover the globe, resulting in improper wetting of the ocular surface by the tears with consequent desiccation of the corneal epithelium. This condition may be caused by facial nerve disorders in which the orbicularis oculi muscle is paralysed, or sleep lagophthalmos, or as a result of hard contact lens wear. The cornea presents punctate epithelial erosions, which may develop, into ulcers. Treatment is with frequent lubrication and if severe, lid surgery may be required. Syn. lagophthalmic keratitis; neuroparalytic keratopathy. Seeneuroparalytic keratitis; 3 and 9 o'clock staining.neurotrophic keratopathy Condition characterized by an anaesthesia of the cornea. It results in a breakdown of the corneal epithelial layer allowing trauma, desiccation and infection. It is believed to occur as a result of the loss of trophic influence of the nerve supply to the cornea and/or of reduced blinking and the loss of lacrimation. Causes include herpes simplex virus, herpes zoster, lattice dystrophy, fifth nerve lesion and diabetes mellitus. Treatment mainly consists of tear substitute and intermittent or constant lid taping, but anti-infective regimen, punctal occlusion, tarsorrhaphy or neurosurgical intervention may be necessary. Syn. neurotrophic keratitis.

keratopathy

corneal opacities seen in dogs in tropical and subtropical areas of the United States; attributed to an unidentified mycotic or mycobacterial infection. Called also Florida spots, Florida fungus.

band keratopathy

subcorneal calcification associated with local ocular disease or systemic abnormalities of calcium or phosphorus metabolism.

bullous keratopathy

a nonspecific response of the cornea to inflammation in which vesicles and bullae occur.

lipid keratopathy

deposition of lipid in the stroma of the cornea. In the primary disease, there is no association with abnormalities of lipid metabolism or elevated blood lipid levels. In secondary disease, lipids are deposited in scars and previous corneal lesions, or in association with abnormalities of systemic lipid metabolism.

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